Livestock farmers in the Northern Cape had thus far reduced their livestock numbers by more than 30% as a result of the persisting drought, according to Henk van Wyk, the president of Agri Northern Cape.

Van Wyk said the total herd reduction was difficult to quantify, but that the number of farmers who had lost their entire herds was dramatically escalating.

“I know of many producers who were left with no choice but to send all the sheep they [managed] to keep alive to feedlots,” he said.

Van Wyk said that farming conditions between Carnavon and Vosburg were dire, as a result of insufficient rain and high temperatures over the past four years.

Conditions in the Brandvlei, Loeriesfontein, Pofadder and Granaatkolk regions were equally dismal.